LiveScot  –  FRIDAY 21^st  AND SATURDAY 22^nd  NOVEMBER 2025

Pedigree Calves:- Mr Donald MacLean, Balfron, Glasgow  

Classes and Overall Beef Championship Judge:-  Mr Keith Williamson, Co Tyrone, Ireland. 

Galloway Bullock wins Pure Bred Championship. 

A strong but select show of Galloways was forward for the 2025 LiveScot event held at Lanark Mart. The popular pedigree calf show, always a highlight for both exhibitors and the public, took place on Friday evening and featured four quality Galloway calves.

Champion Galloway Calf was awarded to I Spy of Over Barskeoch, exhibited by Messrs Wallace, Hannaston, Dalry, Castle Douglas. This October 2024-born calf is by Oryan of Balgray and out of Vavoom of Over Barskeoch, and is  the last bull calf sired by Oryan of Balgray and is destine for Castle Douglas Spring show and sale. 

Reserve Champion went to Issy Wkd of Over Barskeoch, also from the same home. This 13-month-old heifer is also by Oryan of Balgray and out of Wkd of Over Barskeoch, continuing the herd’s success. 

On Saturday morning, the Pure Bred Native Bullock class was judged, with first place going to Waughy, exhibited by Jason and Sarah Wareham, Little Tottingworth, Sussex and bred by Kilnstown Farms Ltd, Kilnstown, Bewcastle, Cumbria.  Born in September 2023, Waughy is by Outlander of Fingland and out of the renowned Marina of Kilnstown cow line, which has produced multiple native fatstock champions.

Later in the day, this stylish bullock went on to secure the Native Purebred Championship, then beating the Charolais to claim the overall Champion Pure Bred title. Waughy now heads to the Welsh Winter Fair to continue his show season.

The Society is delighted to present Jason and Sarah with the special cash prize of £250 awarded to the Galloway winning the Overall Native Championship at Livescot.

In the commercial calf competition, Jason and Sarah Wareham also enjoyed success with a very stylish home-bred steer calf in the class for animals born on or after 1st January 2025. Bandit, born 20/03/25, stood 2nd in a strong class of seven calves and impressed many ringside. He is certainly one to watch for the future.

The Reserve Galloway title went to Flash, bred and exhibited by J.P. Campbell & Sons, Grimmet, Ayr, and expertly shown by stockman Joe Cockburn. This impressive 18-month-old steer is sired by Blackcraig Dyker and out of Diamond 1st of Troloss. Flash weighed in at 510 kg and sold for £4 per kg, realising £2,040.

LEADING AWARDS

Pedigree calf Class

Bull born between 1^st July 2024 and 31^st December 2024

1st    Messrs Wallace, Hannaston, Dalry, Castle Douglas – I Spy of Over Barskeoch  born 09/10/24 Sire Oyran of Balgray dam  Vavoom of Over Barskeoch. 

 Heifer born between 1^st July 2024 and 31^st December 2024

 1^st Messrs Wallace – Issy Wkd of Over Barskeoch born 04/10/24 sire Oryan of Balgray dam Wkd of Over Barskeoch. 

2^nd D & L Watret, Muirfield, Lockerbie -  Criffelview Rosie born 05/09/24 sire Nucamp  of Balgray dam Blackcraig Rose

3rd Messrs Wallace,  Hannaston - Inca Rose dob 16/10/2024 sire Explosion of Over Barskeoch dam Variscite of Over Barskeoch

 Winning Champion medal and Kennedy Moffat Perpetual Challenge trophy -  I Spay of Over Barskeoch exhibited and bred by Messrs Wallace, Hannaston, Dalry, Castle Douglas 

Prime Cattle Classes

1^st   J & S Wareham, Little Tottingworth, Sussex – Waughy born 24/09/23 sire Outlander of Fingland, dam Marina of Kilnstown  bred by Kilnstown Farms Ltd, Kilnstown, Bewcastle, Carlilse. 

2^nd G McFadzean  Woodhead of Mailer -  Cherrybank Aberdeen Angus

3^rd JP Campbell and Sons, Grimmet, Ayr – Flash born 10/06/24  Sire Blackcraig Dyker dam  Diamond 1^st of Troloss  510kgs sold for 400ppk or £2040. 

4^th JP Campbell and Sons – Demon born 04/04/24 sire Blackcraig Dyker dam Katie 76^th of Troloss.  530kgs sold for 400ppk or £2120   to Ballards Butchers, Castle Douglas. 

2025 On-Farm Herd of the Year - Results

The 2025 On-Farm Herd of the Year celebrates the dedication and achievements of Galloway cattle breeders across the UK and Ireland. This year, 24 herds took part in the assessment, representing three regions: Scotland and Northern England, Ireland and the Rest of England and Wales.

Each herd was reviewed for its breeding progress, herd health, productivity, and overall management. The results reflect the hard work, innovation, and commitment of Galloway breeders who continue to uphold the breed’s reputation for quality, resilience, and performance across a wide range of farming systems.

We would like to extend our congratulations to the following breeders who have received awards in recognition of their outstanding performance and contribution to the Galloway breed.

Our grateful thanks to our sponsors:-

Galloway & MacLeod Ltd, Davidson Animal Feeds, Starlyne/ MacMin Ltd, Wallets Marts Ltd, Fane Valley Stores, Ballymena Livestock Mart, Moore Concrete, Steele Farm Supplies

And our judges:-

Mr Andrew McConchie, Mr George Somerville and Mr Mark de Winter Smith

Results

Scotland and Northern England

Kindly judged by Mr Andrew McConchie

Small herd 0-9 cows

Best Small herd

1st Dexter and Carolyn Logan - Rogan

2nd A & C Thornton - Stainton

Best Bull

1st T  E Stephenson - Highwayman of Over Barskeoch

2nd A & C Thornton – Joker of Whitehill

Best Cow and Calf (pure or crossbred)

1st D & L Watret – Blackcraig Rose with pure calf at foot Criffelview Rosie

2nd A & C Thornton – Barlaes Black Ice with Black Ice Tracy of Stainton

Medium Herd 10-25 cows

Best Medium Herd

1st Glenrath Farms Ltd

2nd R & M McIntosh – Huntly

Best Bull

1st Glenrath Farms Ltd – Blackcraig Dyker

2nd James Campbell – Newton Cracker

3rd M C McCart – Troloss Matador

Best Cow and Calf (pure or crossbred)

1st Glenrath Farms Ltd – Troloss Inka with Glenrath Inka

2nd H Ryman & C Stead – Lady Polka of Fingland with twin calves

3rd James Campbell – Kypehill Avon with Kypehill Beta

Large Herd 26 cows and over

Best Large Herd

1st D & R Cornthwaite - Balgray

2nd Kilnstown Farms Ltd

3rd Andrew Tullie – Bowanhill

Best Bull

1st D & R Cornthwaite – Upbeat of Balgray

2nd Kilnstown Farms Ltd – Buccleuch Discovery

Best Cow and Calf (pure or crossbred)

1st Kilnstown Farms Ltd – Hilda 7th of Kilnstown with Limousin calf at foot

2nd D & R Cornthwaite – Solar eclipse of Balgray with Winter Eclipse of Balgray

Overall winners

1st Glenrath Farms Ltd - Glenrath

2nd D & R Cornthwaite - Balgray

3rd R & M McIntosh – Huntly

On Farm Herd of the Year competition – Ireland

Kindly judge by Mr George Somerville

Large Herd

1st Joe and John Smyth - Upper Buckna

2nd Barry and Brendan Douglas - Glenderg

Small Herd

1st Dessy Henry - Gruige

2nd Messrs T & K Madden - Ballyvaddy

3rd Mr Brendan O’Malley - Connemara

Best Cow

Dessy Henry with Barlaes Brownie 250th

Best Bull

B & B Douglas with Fionn Mac Cumhaill of Castlegore

Overall

1st Joe and John Smyth - Upper Buckna

2nd Barry and Brendan Douglas – Glenderg

On farm herd of the year competition - Rest of England and Wales

Kindly judged by Mr Mark de Winter Smith

Herd of the year

1st = Messrs NH & MJ Cole, Greenwell Farm, Yelverton

1st = Mr S Johnson, Oldfield Farm, Heswall, Wirral

3rd Messrs D & A Weeks, Pen Y Graig Farm, Llanelly Church, Abergavenny

Report on the Dispersal Sale of the Renowned Balgray Herd

Wallets Mart, Saturday 25th October 2025

The much-anticipated dispersal of the renowned Balgray Herd took place at Wallets Mart, Castle Douglas on Saturday, 25th August 2025, attracting strong interest from breeders and enthusiasts alike.

The top price of 10,000gns was achieved by Solar Eclipse of Balgray, a stylish four-year-old cow who has been one of the standout females in the herd. She is out of Lunar Eclipse of Balgray, a highly regarded dam with numerous accolades to her name. Solar Eclipse of Balgray was sold with her impressive eight-month-old heifer calf at foot, Winter Eclipse of Balgray, sired by Kirkstead Expert, and she is back in calf again. This much-admired cow drew considerable attention in the sale ring and was ultimately purchased by Paula and Craig Jessop, Moorlands Farm, The Moorlands, Coleorton. She will join their growing herd, which already includes four Galloways, alongside their herds of Charolais cattle and flocks of Texel, Suffolk, and Blue Texel sheep.

Paula and Craig Jessop also secured the next top price with the purchase of Ufemia of Balgray, a striking 24-month-old heifer by Blackcraig Kodiac and out of Sarafina of Balgray. This eye-catching young female already boasts an impressive show record — she was Reserve Interbreed Champion at the Westmorland Show in 2024 at just 12 months old and went on to take the Interbreed Championship at Langholm Show in the sale year. She sold for 6500gns

Adding further quality to their growing herd, the Jessops also purchased Phoebe of Balgray for 4000gns, a daughter of Troloss Impeccable and out of the renowned Penninghame Queen. This outstanding six-year-old cow has enjoyed major success in the show ring, being crowned Interbreed Champion at the Great Yorkshire Show in 2021 and again taking the Interbreed title at Dumfries Show in 2022. All three animals are destined for next year’s show circuit.

The next top price of 6,000gns was achieved by Political of Balgray, a stylish six-year-old cow sired by the renowned Troloss Impeccable, who was purchased for 9,200gns in a joint deal with the McClymonts of Kirkstead. Her dam is Penninghame Union, a strong maternal line within the Balgray herd. Political of Balgray was sold with her smart heifer calf at foot, Westminster of Balgray, a daughter of Kirkstead Expert. This much-admired pair attracted keen bidding in the ring before being knocked down to Society Vice Chairperson Carolyn Logan and her husband Dexter, Greenhead, Alva, Stirling.

Achieving the next top price of 3,700gns was Taylor of Balgray, an April 2022-born daughter of Octavius of Balgray and out of Jill of Balgray, herself a daughter of Blackcraig Super. This well-balanced young cow was sold with her stylish heifer calf at foot, Willow of Balgray, sired by Kirkstead Expert. This pair was purchased by new Society member Donald Simpson, Rossiachill Home Farm, Perth. Mr Simpson made a significant investment on the day, securing 44 head in total to form the foundation of his newly established Rossie Herd.  On securing his purchases, Donald said “I am delighted to add this smart, well-matched group of cows to my herd in one fell swoop – a perfect start to this new venture” 

Also taking the opportunity to add to their newly established herd were Hoddam & Kinmount Estates, Ecclefechan, who made a strong impression at the sale by purchasing eight cows   Their purchases were led by a top of 3,000gns for Surrender of Balgray. Born in 2021, Surrender of Balgray is a daughter of Octavius of Balgray and was sold with her stylish Kirkstead Expert heifer calf at foot.

Returning to Lockerbie with J. Common & Son, Crossdykes, Lockerbie, was Tayanna of Balgray, a daughter of Ben Lomond Blackthorn. This attractive cow was sold with her well-made heifer calf at foot, Winona of Balgray, another by Kirkstead Expert, and realised 3,400gns. The Crossdykes team also added Ursinia of Balgray to their purchases at 2,600gns. This promising young female is by Octavius of Balgray and out of Pansy of Balgray, a daughter of Troloss Impeccable.

Also staying local was Uno of Balgray, a Ben Lomond Blackthorn daughter out of Playful of Balgray, who is a full sister to Nucamp of Balgray. Uno was purchased by Judith Cowie, Barholm Cottage, Castle Douglas, for 3,100gns.

Selling for 3,300gns was Olympia of Balgray (ET), sired by Troloss Impeccable and out of Penninghame Queen. This September 2018-born female is a full sister to Phoebe of Balgray, who made 4,000gns. Olympia sold with her heifer calf at foot to James Campbell, Kypehill, Strathaven.

The two stock bulls, Silas of Balgray and Upbeat of Balgray, sold for 2,200gns and 2,000gns respectively to SR & RJ Langdon, Luckworthy Farm, South Molton.

Averages

2 Bulls £2205.00

5 Cows in Calf  £2352.00

8 Heifers in Calf £2585.00

17 Cows & Bull Calves £2902.00

17 Cows & Heifer Calves £3810.00

Dispersal Sale of the Balgray Herd – Pedigree   Galloway Cattle

Due to retirement,  David and Rosemary Cornthwaite are holding a dispersal sale of their highly regarded Balgray Herd of Pedigree Black Galloway cattle. This is a rare opportunity to acquire top-quality breeding stock from a herd with a proven record in both the show and sale ring.

Sale Details:

• Date: Saturday 25th October 2025
• Location: Wallets Marts, Castle Douglas

Herd Health Status:

• Johne’s Level 1 since 2016
• BVD Accredited since 2017
• Part of the Premium Cattle Health Scheme

Sale Offerings Include:

• 20 Autumn-calving cows with calves at foot
• 18 Spring-calving cows with calves at foot and back in calf
• 8 In-calf heifers
• 9 Bulling heifers
• 3 Bulls

For more information or to discuss the sale, please contact us directly. The catalogue will be out soon!

Ballymena Show and Sale – 5^th September 2025

Strong Trade at Ballymena for Joint Galloway Sale

For the second consecutive year, a joint show and sale of Belted, Black, and White Galloways took place at Ballymena Mart, graciously hosted by J.A. McClelland & Sons Ltd. Although the entry numbers were modest, the quality of the animals on display was exceptional. The event saw strong demand, with all lots sold to non-members, highlighting the continued interest in top-quality stock across Northern Ireland.

  Top Price and Reserve Champion

The top priced and Reserve Champion   lot on the day was the heifer Armoy Eilmear, also from Mr. Huey’s noted Armoy herd. This 28-month-old heifer is  by Oisín CP4 of Castlegore and out of Jan 2nd of Tecloy, a daughter of Jackson of Upper Buckna. She was knocked down at 3,400gns to M/s F. & A. McGowan, 105 Tullaghans Road, Galdanagh, Ballymena.

A second heifer from the same home also attracted keen bidding. Sired by Oisín CP4 of Castlegore and out of Beth G3 of Castlegore, a Troloss Knight Rider daughter, she realised 2,600gns, selling to Mr. Mark Finlay, 20 Lower Ballyboley Road, Ballyclare.

Show Champion

The Overall Champion was the bull Armoy Buffalo Bill, exhibited by Mr. B. Huey, 97 Hillside Road, Armoy, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim. Born May 2023, this stylish bull is again sired by Oisín CP4 of Castlegore and out of Beck House Daphne, a daughter of Hero of Gall-Way. He sold for 2,300gns to Mr. Kyle Gilmore, 33 Coxhill Road, Co. Armagh.

Strong Prices for Gruige Entries

Matching the day’s top price of 3,400gns was Gruige Donna, from Mr. D. Henry, Gruige Farm, 4 Gruige Lane, Cloughmills. This 29-month-old heifer, by Orion of Upper Buckna and out of Sandra D10 of Upper Buckna, a daughter of King Kong of Upper Buckna, was purchased by Mr. T. Carson, 79 Blackskull Road, Dromore, Co. Down.

Also from the Gruige prefix, Gruige Daly made 2,800gns. Sired by Troloss Nuter and out of Barquhill Polly 1024, a Troloss Ring Pull daughter, she was secured by Mr. M. Smith, 8 Whaupstown Road, Kells, Co. Antrim.

Judge Helen Ryman commented “The quality of the stock at Ballymena would’ve shone in any sale house across the UK and Ireland and were a credit to those bringing them forward for sale. Many potential buyers left the market empty handed and many more Galloways could’ve been sold to the vendor’s advantage”.

Averages

In calf heifers - £3202.50

Bull - £2415.00

Judge Helen Ryman, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire

Class results 

Class 1 Cow born on or before 31/08/22

No entries 

Class 2 Heifer born 01/09/22 to 31/08/23

1^st Armoy Elmear exhibited by Mr B Huey dob 07/05/23 sire Oisen CP4 of Castlegore dam Jan 2^nd of Tecloy

2^nd Armoy Emman exhibited by Mr B Huey dob 07/04/2023 sire Oisen CP4 of Castlegore dam Beth G3 of Castlegore. 

 Class 3 Heifer born 01/09/23 to 31/08/24

 No entries

Class 4 bull or heifer born on or after 01/09/24

 No entries

Class 5 Bull born on or before 30/08/24

1^st  Armoy Buffalo Bill exhibited by Mr B Huey, dob 02/05/2023 sire Oisen CP4 of Castlegore, dam Beck House Daphne

2^nd Glenside Robert exhibited by Mr R Millar, Glenside dob 02/4/2024 sire Buccleuch Buster dam Barlaes Grace 107th

Galloway Champion  -  Armoy Buffalo Bill bred and exhibited by Mr B Huey

Galloway Reserve Champion  - Armoy Eimear bred and exhibited by Mr B Huey.